SESAME NOODLES WITH SNAP PEAS & ONIONS

I love green onions and especially the greens, so I use them liberally here. You can cut back if you’re not as much of a fan. The chili oil, of which you’ll have some leftover, is wonderful on any salad or meat or roasted vegetable.

• This dish is suitable to many kinds of vegetables, both raw and briefly cooked in the same pot as the noodles, as the snap peas are here.

• Be creative, just cut the vegetables into matchsticks, julienne or shred them so they mix well and don’t fall to the bottom of the bowl!

Ingredients:

4 spring or green onions, whites and greens separated and thinly sliced (see headnote)

1/2 cup vegetable oil

Scant 1 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes (less if you don’t like a lot of heat)

2 teaspoons sesame seeds

¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

12 ounces spaghetti

1 1/2 cups snap peas, cleaned and trimmed and cut into third if snap or snow peas (optional or other veggies–see Variations)

3 -4 cups kale or any tender leafy green

Sea salt

1/4 cup tahini

1/4 cup unseasoned rice vinegar

3 tablespoons soy sauce

2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil

1 teaspoon sugar

Directions:

Cook spring/green onion whites, vegetable oil, red pepper flakes, sesame seeds, and pepper in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until oil is sizzling and onions are golden brown, 12–15 minutes; let chili oil cool in saucepan.

Meanwhile, cook noodles in a large pot of salted boiling water. About 2 minutes before the noodles are al dente add the snap peas, cook for a few more minutes; drain. Rinse under cold water and drain well and put in a big bowl. Toss with a little of the chili oil to keep noodles from sticking.

Whisk tahini, vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and 2–3 tablespoons chili oil (depending on desired heat) in a small bowl; season with salt. Add the dressing to the noodles, peas, mizuna, and onion tops and toss to coat. I find tossing this salad with my hands is by far the most effective technique to get the thick dressing well distributed. It makes a mess but it’s quick and easy.